170 Power Amplifier - Pearl Acoustics - Bespoke handmade Hi-Fi

Power – Purity – Simplicity Sustainability – Elegance

News update: With the decision to bring the manufacturing of our 170 amplifier in-house, we have taken the time to re-look at the initial design to see how we can improve it from a manufacturing and long-term sustainability perspective. The aim is to keep its wonderful sound qualities unchanged but to ensure manufacturing consistency, especially in the complex components, such as our custom power and output transformers.

The target (hoped for) date for the release of version 2, is end November 2025, but we want it to be perfect before we release, so we are not pressuring ourselves with a self inflicted timeline.

Please reach out to us if you would like to be kept in the loop on the 170’s progress.

Our design engineering concept was a blend of musical perfection with a ‘no expense spared’ focus on quality and longevity. Sustainability and servicability have been built into every aspect of its design. And all the while, ensuring to deliver a clean, engaging and natural holographic sound performance. Not only for powering our loudspeakers, but for all makes and models.

A Refined and Organic sound

The Pearl Acoustics 170 stereo power amplifier delivers a refined, organic and natural soundstage, without being over analytical. With the 170 we have achieved our aim of delivering realism, with a genuine sense of ‘being there’.

Our Pearl Acoustics 170 single ended, vacuum tube power amplifier, is a totally new ground-up bespoke design, the result of working together with some of the best minds in the business.

FEATURES

Dual mono, single ended design
0dB global feedback (of any kind)
Ultra short signal path
No solid-state devices in the signal path
No followers or buffers in the signal path
High current and low impedance design
Minimal discrete wiring for optimum signal propagation
Logical sequenced soft-start power up for extended tube life
Power tube and electronic protection circuit system
Automatic self-regulating, cathode bias topology
Custom designed and made transformers
Chassis mounted valve sockets (for improved stability and lifespan)

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Crafting Excellence in High-Fidelity Audio

Building a 170 amplifier is a skilled and time consuming process. Each is made by hand.

Starting with the chassis, this is made in the UK from 3mm steel. Look closely, and you will notice that all the corners are rounded off and welded in such a way, as to give continuously smooth edges. This is not an easy process, and thus not cheap. But we see our amplifiers as heirlooms, objects of pride that will survive the product evolution of time.

Each chassis is finished in a semi-mat powder coat for an attractive and long-lasting surface that will withstand finger marks and light knocks and scratches.

One of the key components of a single ended tube amplifier is the pair of output transformers. We have commissioned the world renowned Danish company Landahl to hand build our mains and output transformers to our own, exclusive design.

The circuitry is made in Belgium by a company specialized in producing bespoke electronics for the medical industry. Our circuitboards, and the components on them, are thus considered to be of medical grade quality for precision and durability.

The vacuum tubes we choose to supply as standard are the PSVane Horizon range. In comparative listening shootouts, we feel these tubes do a great job. But this is the beauty of tube amplifiers. The owner always has the possibility to contrast and compare different tubes from different makers, that have the same basic electrical properties.

Even our ‘on off’ switch is designed to last for more than 40,000 depressions.

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Specifications

Input sensitivity: 1Vrms for 18W into 8ohms

Output power: 18W of pure Class A into 8ohms (KT170 vacuum tubes)

16W of pure Class A into 8ohms (KT150 vacuum tubes)

Distortion: 0.5% 2nd and 0.03% 3rd harmonic at 1W into 8ohms

Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz

Loudspeaker compatibility: Stable down to 2ohms

Damping factor: 6

Input impedance: 10Kohm

Power consumption: 250W in use & 0.9W (max) in standby

Gain: 21.6dB

Gross weight: 31kgs (unpacked)

Dimensions: 405mm x 235mm x 375mm (whd)

EU and CE approval